A new �40,000 skate park in Downham Market was officially opened at the weekend.

It had been more than four years since extreme sport fans tried out new tricks on their BMX bikes and skateboards in the town after the previous skate park at the Memorial Playing Field was torn down.

But on Saturday town councillor Val Starling, who chairs the town's skate park working party, and Downham mayor Robin Pegg officially opened the new skate park next to the Howdale Community Centre.

Mrs Starling had hoped the opening of the skate park would have been on her list of civic duties during her year as mayor but she formally handed over the chain to Robin Pegg earlier this month.

'There were lots of inline skaters, skateboarders and BMXers who all come along to see the skate park opened,' Mrs Starling said.

'It was great to see such a show of support and they were itching for me to cut the ribbon so they could get onto it.

'The youngsters told me they were delighted with the skate park and how it looked and a few told me they liked the fact there are three different heights which cater for young people starting out to those more established.'

The council's working party had engaged with youngsters in the town before choosing the final design by Downham-based Highline Extreme. The town council then approved the design in November last year.

Funding for the �40,000 project came from not-for-profit business WREN, Downham Market Town Council, West Norfolk Council and Downham Skaters and Riders. West Norfolk council removed the previous skate park because it fell into disrepair and there were safety concerns.